I cannot believe it is time for Spring Break. I'm currently sitting on my sofa at 10:00 in the morning, drinking a cup of coffee, and listening to the birds sing while sunshine streams through the house. I live for these moments. When I think of Spring Break or summer vacation, I envision just this - the coffee, the birds, the sunshine, and a myriad of TLC television programs... while I make lists of things to do during my time off. Already this morning I have written my long list of things I hope to accomplish during this week, and I've done two or three things on the list already. I'll probably jet out the door within the next hour and check off three or so more items. Then, this evening, I'll do some laundry, cook dinner, and think of a dozen more things I want to accomplish. And then tomorrow will be the same thing over again. I sometimes wish I knew how to relax, how to enjoy these moments for what they are, instead of seeing them as opportunities to get things done. I wish I didn't feel guilty about time off from teaching... I desperately enjoy the break (I wouldn't survive without it), but I always feel guilty, like I should be accomplishing things and earning my keep. I don't know where those feelings come from. I guess it's all the comments like, "It must be nice to have so much time off of work," or "You're so lucky to have so many vacations." Friends and non-teaching family members have made those comments for as long as I can remember, and although they are intended to be harmless, they make me feel as though I don't deserve to rest. So, I fill my vacations with to-do lists and work hard to show that I am using my time wisely. And then I wonder why I am exhausted and stressed as soon as I go back to work! One of these days the cycle will have to break, but until then I have to get back to my list. At least I have the coffee, sunshine, and the birds to make it more enjoyable.